1. Logical-Mathematical Intelligence
Perhaps the most obvious of the nine kinds of intelligence, logical-mathematical intelligence refers to someone’s ability to solve mathematical problems, spot trends and patterns, and understand relationships. If someone possesses logical-mathematical intelligence it means that order and sequencing feature greatly in their thinking process and they can think conceptually and abstractly.
You have high logical-mathematical intelligence if:
- You’re good with numbers and confident taking on tasks that involve quantifying things, such as math and arithmetic questions
- You enjoy performing experiments and conducting your own investigations
- You enjoy playing logic and strategy games
- You enjoy solving puzzles and unravelling mysteries
- Your curiosity drives you to ask cosmic or deep questions
Great careers for people with logical-mathematical intelligence include mathematician, economist, auditor, accountant, scientist, tactician, computer analyst and technician.
2. Linguistic Intelligence
Linguistic intelligence gauges someone’s ability to use words effectively. This doesn’t necessarily mean learning another language, someone who exclusively uses one language proficiently can still have linguistic intelligence. Being able to use the right words and express what you mean is a unique skill that can be utilised in several different scenarios.
You have high linguistic intelligence if:
- You’re comfortable both speaking and writing, using words to achieve objectives such as persuasion
- You have a broad vocabulary and understand when and how to use certain words
- You enjoy reading and writing
- You enjoy playing word games
- You have an easy grasp of other languages or dialects, fluency is not required
Great careers for people with linguistic intelligence include public speaker, librarian, politician, radio announcer, TV host, YouTuber, journalist, lawyer, curator, speech pathologist, writer or sales.
3. Interpersonal Intelligence
Interpersonal intelligence or emotional intelligence refers to the link between intelligence and emotions. Someone with interpersonal intelligence is good at sensing other people’s emotions and reading their motives, this can be linked to both verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
You have high interpersonal intelligence if:
- You’re good at identifying distinctions and differences among a group of people
- You have a wide circle of friends and are comfortable meeting new people
- You are good at sensing people’s mood
- You possess the ability to look at things from different perspectives, understanding other people’s point of view
Great careers for people with interpersonal intelligence include human resources, counsellor, management, psychologist, public relations, social director, teacher or social worker.
4. Intrapersonal Intelligence
Intrapersonal intelligence refers to self-awareness and people’s ability to understand themselves. Do you understand what you are feeling and why you are feeling it? Intrapersonal intelligence also involves appreciating and respecting the human condition, in general, treating others the way you would like to be treated yourself.
You have high intrapersonal intelligence if:
- You’re self-motivated and can put yourself first when necessary
- You’re strong-willed and independent
- You’re aware of, and take action based on how you’re feeling
- You enjoy taking time to yourself for self-reflection
Great careers for people with intrapersonal intelligence include psychologist, writer, therapist, counsellor, social worker, theologian, entrepreneur or poet.
5. Musical Intelligence
Musical intelligence is the most self-explanatory of the nine types of intelligence, it refers to someone’s ability to sense rhythm and sound and use this to create music.

You have a high level of musical intelligence if:
- You can break the pitch, rhythm, tone and timbre of sounds easily
- You recognise, create or reflect on music, and love doing so
- You are comfortable with music playing in the background while you do other things
- You are highly sensitive to sounds, hearing what others miss
Great careers for people with musical intelligence include conductor, musician, piano teacher, composer, dance teacher, music therapist or choral director.
6. Visual-Spatial Intelligence
Visual-spatial intelligence refers to people’s ability to view or visualise the world in its three dimensions. When discussing visualising the world in 3D, it involves the following capabilities:
Mental imagery – being able to draw up an image or picture without an external stimulus, drawing from memories or previous experience. In other words, the detail of someone’s imagination.
Spatial reasoning – being able to think about objects in 3D and draw generalisations despite having limited information. Mention a pyramid, and people with visual-spatial intelligence will be able to visualise how that pyramid will look from the front or the top.
Image manipulation – being able to visualise changes to an image before they have been implemented. For example, an artist visualising how their picture will look before they have drawn it.
Artistic skills – being able to create artwork, this also includes graphic skills.
Visual-spatial intelligence and creativity work hand-in-hand, drawing on an active imagination to produce impressive visual work.
You have high visual-spatial intelligence if:
- You have a high awareness of your surrounding environment
- You have a good sense of direction
- You enjoy playing jigsaw puzzles and games based around navigation
- You daydream a lot
- You enjoy being creative
Great careers for people with visual-spatial intelligence include architect, geometry teacher, engineer, surveyor, urban planner, graphic artist, interior decorator, photographer, pilot or cartographer.